HC Deb 27 July 1894 vol 27 cc1120-1
MR. HALSEY (Herts, Watford)

I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether, in view of the Reports of Lord Playfair and Mr. Corfield as to the very defective state of the ventilation of the Money Order Office, late Coldbath Fields Prison, he will take immediate measures to carry out the recommendations con- tained in their Reports, and in the meantime, in the interest of the health of those employed, discontine the use of the building?

MR. A. MORLEY

Measures are being taken for carrying out forthwith the improvements in the ventilation which have been recommended, and it is found that the work can be done without interruption to the use of the building. I may add that at this period of the year, when many of the staff are absent on their annual holiday, and the windows can be kept open, the defective state of the ventilation, which was noticed in the colder months, is not apparent.

SIR A. ROLLIT (Islington, S.)

I should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the Report does not state that a thorough system of ventilation is impossible owing to the construction of the building? Does he think ventilation by one window is a safe course to persist in, and is it not a fact that a promise was given by the Government in August, 1888, that the occupation of the building should only be temporary?

MR. BARTLEY (Islington, N.)

Is is not a fact that several of the clerks have been away at different times from serious illnesses caused from the bad condition of the building?

MR. A. MORLEY

I am unable to answer that question definitely; but, so far as I know, no undue amount of sickness of a serious character has been reported. No doubt the state of the ventilation has been productive of some sickness.

SIR A. ROLLIT

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered my question as to whether or no a pledge was given by the Government in 1888 that the occupation of the building should be temporary.

MR. A. MORLEY

At the time mentioned no doubt the Government intended that the occupation of the premises should be temporary only, but I do not think that any pledge to that effect was given by them.